The Good
This is a great one-shot issue that explains a lot of the back-story behind Odin and Cul, the god who ravaged the world as the Serpent. The fact that the issue really stands alone from the rest of the series really makes it feel like a gift to those who wanted the deeper story between Fear Itself's main rivalry. Odin and Cul are characterized well here, which keeps it from feeling too fantastical. It really feels like a window into the past.
The art in this issue is lovely, and it does a good job of showing what pre-Asgard architecture and aesthetic looked like. I've always enjoyed the quasi-futuristic tone that comes with the Norse gods, and this issue capitalizes on it.
Seeing an older Odin holding an infant Thor just made my heart melt.
The Bad
My only real complaint is that this issue really isn't set up at all; it kind of just springs you into the flashback. I would have preferred a framing narrative (Odin reminiscing, etc) to ease the reader into things.
The Verdict
Thankfully, this issue isn't exactly required reading for Fear Itself, nor does it skimp out on the juicy details. It's easy to see the parallels between Cul and Odin and Thor and Loki; Fraction must have planned that out as a treat to readers.
While this issue didn't blow me away, it is solid writing. However, it feels like a little bit of an inhale to catch its breath, especially compared to the epic scale of the last arc. It'll be interesting to see what post Fear Itself fallout happens especially with a "new" god of thunder taking over the reigns.
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